Centrair gets two budget carriers

NAGOYA – Two budget airlines entered service at Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) near Nagoya on Sunday.

Jetstar Japan Co. inaugurated flights between Centrair and Sapporo as well as Fukuoka, while AirAsia Japan Co. started a flight to and from Fukuoka.

Jetstar will launch a flight between Centrair and Kagoshima on May 31, while AirAsia will start service between Centrair and Sapporo as well as Seoul on April 26.

“We hope to offer various options to travelers,” said Jetstar President Miyuki Suzuki during the inaugural ceremonies.

Meanwhile, AirAsia President Yoshinori Odagiri said the airline regards Centrair as its second-largest hub after Narita airport. “Judging from the favorable reservations, I think we have been able to contribute to creating new demand,” he said, adding that the carrier was also seeking to expand services to Southeast Asia.